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Nick Cave, R.E.M., Devo among artists releasing music for wildfire benefit

BBG News

Prominent musicians are spearheading two charity albums for wildfire relief – “Los Angeles Rising” and “Good Music to Lift Up Los Angeles”. These collections feature fresh tracks, live performances, and old recordings. The former album is scheduled for release on Bandcamp this Thursday, while the latter will be available from Friday.

This compilation boasts 16 tracks, some of which are previously unheard recordings by the iconic Australian band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey, Gary Numan, Primal Scream, Devo, and Danny Elfman. Notable tunes include “Turn Into Redux,” a unique spin on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ hit song from their 2006 album “Show Your Bones.” Jarvis Cocker of Pulp contributes an acoustic cover of the classic “California Dreamin’,” a recording made in 2020.

In the wake of the devastating wildfires, I found myself displaced, yet inspired. Alongside record producer Nick Launay, we were led by Bauhaus’ Kevin Haskins to create a unique project. This labor of love, born from adversity, is what we affectionately refer to as our benefit album.

Haskins mentioned that he watered his yard and decks using the garden hose, after which he departed. The experience was quite tense, leading him to encounter a traffic jam while passing through Hollywood.

Across the flames, Launay found himself undergoing a comparable ordeal. However, they were considered fortunate since numerous musicians and companions within the city saw their cherished homes get destroyed by the fire.

Haskins shared with The Times that Nick and I had contacted numerous musicians and bands we knew, and it was Nick Cave and PJ Harvey who were the initial ones to reply. Once they agreed, the response was overwhelmingly positive. This whole experience has been incredibly heartening and inspiring, especially given the prevalent negativity in today’s world.

It was appropriate that the album cover was designed by longtime resident of Los Feliz and artist Shepard Fairey, whom Haskins contacted on the very day he finished his work.

The fundraiser titled ‘Los Angeles Rising’ requires a minimum donation of $10 per person. All the funds collected will be contributed to Sweet Relief, a charitable organization that supports professional artists and employees in the entertainment industry.”

“For $10 or more, you can contribute to the fundraiser called ‘Los Angeles Rising.’ The money raised will help out Sweet Relief, which is a nonprofit that helps artists and workers in the entertainment business.

In a similar vein, “Lifting Up Los Angeles with Good Music” is another album being launched by Good Music, the 2020 initiative from author Dave Eggers and Jordan Kurland. They have already released other compilations in 2020 and 2022, named “Good Music to Prevent the Fall of American Democracy” and “Good Music for Securing Abortion Rights for All.” Together, these projects garnered more than $800,000.

Currently, they’re returning with a massive 90-track one-day compilation album. Artists like Modest Mouse, Interpol, Toro y Moi, and R.E.M. are part of this lineup. Fans are sure to be thrilled as it includes fresh tracks, live performances, remixes, and demos. The standout moments include The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie’s rendition of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence.

This album, costing $20.25, is committed to contributing all its earnings from the song “Good Music” to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the L.A. Regional Food Bank. Bandcamp will also donate 100% of their share, which goes to MusiCares as a match.

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2025-02-06 17:31

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